Not work. Not emails. Research on how to actually step back from a company I founded.
Succession planning. Leadership transitions. Founder exits. I read articles and case studies, download white papers, and take notes in a fresh document.
Some founders step back, and it works. They transition to advisory roles, let new CEOs take over, and build lives outside the office. Others try and fail, either getting pulled back in or watching their companies collapse without them.
The ones who succeed have a few things in common:
They build strong leadership teams first
They make clean breaks, not gradual fadeouts
They have something else to pour their energy into
They let go of control
That last one is my problem. I don't know how to let go.
But perhaps I can learn.
I open a new document and start writing. Not a business plan. A life plan.
What staying looks like:
Resign as CEO, transition to board member only
Allen becomes CEO (he's ready, I've been holding him back)
Quarterly board meetings, that's it (Jennifer has my permission to hide my car keys if I get out of hand)
No daily operations, no crisis management, no emergency calls
Build a remote work setup here, but for NEW projects, not the company
Maybe consulting for other startups? Advisory work? Something that uses my skills without consuming my life
Focus on health: maintain the routines that worked
Build a life with Jennifer
Then, I start a second list.
What that actually requires:
Formal succession plan (6-month transition)
Restructure my role and compensation
Train Allen on CEO responsibilities I've been hoarding
Set HARD boundaries with board (no calling me for day-to-day)
Get buy-in from major investors
Probably therapy (fuck, I probably need therapy)
Prove to Jennifer this isn't just talk
The second list is harder. Scarier. These are concrete steps, not vague intentions.
